Too Tough To Tame

Moving in Nick’s arms in time to the music seemed to be the most natural thing in the world. Kelly felt drugged…seduced by the music and the man. She tried to work up her usual antagonism against him but for now it had disappeared.

When the music ended, Kelly needed a moment to come back to the here-and-now. Nick seemed to have the same problem as he reluctantly released her.

Kelly made the mistake of looking at him and saw the heated expression in his eyes. She could feel herself flush and knew her fair skin betrayed her agitation.

He lifted her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles. “Thank you for dancing with me,” he said quietly.

She couldn’t seem to look away from him. In an uneven tone she replied, “You’re a wonderful dancer.” Kelly waited for a look of satisfaction to appear on his face at her words. Instead, he gave her hand a soft squeeze and led her back to her table.

Will was also returning to the table and saw them. “I hate to call this short, but I need—”

“Of course,” she rushed in to say. “It’s getting late and I should get home as well.”

With a brief nod to Nick, Will encircled her shoulders and crossed the room, heading for the door.

Nick watched them go, feeling as though something had been ripped out of his heart when she disappeared from his view. Now there was a joke. There were many people who would swear he had no heart.

He’d always agreed with them.

Until now.

Chapter Five

W ill said nothing until they were in his car and on the way to her home. Kelly appreciated his silence. Her head was swimming with so many conflicting thoughts she could find nothing coherent to say.

What had happened back there? Had she actually forgotten who Chakaris was and the damage he had done to her…as well as others?

As if her thoughts weren’t confusing enough, her emotions clamored for attention. She relived how she’d felt with his arms around her and the hint of aftershave mixed with the distinctive—and indescribable—scent of a clean, healthy male. How could she have become so caught up in her senses?

When they reached her home, Will escorted her to the door and waited while she unlocked it. When she turned to say goodbye, Will said, “All kidding aside, Kelly. I want you to be careful where Chakaris is concerned. I thought you two were going to burn the place down with the heat you were generating on the dance floor. It’s obvious that Chakaris has you in his sights.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “Don’t let his charm and sex appeal lull you into forgetting that the man’s dangerous. We both know that. I know none of this is my business, but I can’t help worrying about you. We’ve been friends for a long while and I’d hate like hell to see you get hurt.

“I know that you’re an adult and capable of making rational, mature decisions. You need to keep in mind that he’s as ruthless as your portrait reveals him to be.”

She leaned her head against his chest. “Thanks for caring, Will. I value our friendship and your wise counsel. You needn’t worry, though. I’m fully aware of who and what Dominic Chakaris is. I can never forget that. I promise I’ll be all right.” She pulled away from him and forced herself to smile. “Now go see your latest flame before she gets tired of waiting for you.”

Once inside, Kelly closed the door behind her and leaned against it, wondering if she could force her trembling knees to carry her up the staircase. She had to get a grip on her emotions. She was being ridiculous. She’d been around other attractive men before, men who had made their desire for her known in various ways. To have such a strong reaction to this particular male made no sense at all.